MTA Heroes: 2 MTAPD officers save person's life threatening to jump from ramp
NEW YORK (WABC) -- This week's MTA Heroes are two MTA PD officers whose decisive actions and thoughtful engagement helped prevent a tragedy.
Early on the morning of Saturday, May 23, an alert was issued for a person on the Bronx-bound entrance ramp from the Cross Island Parkway to the Throgs Neck Bridge.
Officers Edward Macaluso and Joseph Brienza were the first to arrive on the scene, where they saw a person standing on the ramp's concrete barrier while holding onto a light pole, threatening to jump.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the officers immediately began to engage with the individual, de-escalating the situation.
Members of the New York City Police Department's Emergency Services Unit and Hostage Negotiation team subsequently joined the effort, which lasted more than two hours.
The person ultimately agreed to come down from the barrier and was taken to a nearby hospital.
Officers Macaluso and Brienza reflect the highest standards of public service.
The two were honored by the President of MTA Bridges and Tunnels at this month's Committee Meeting.
If you are experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises please call or text the new three-digit code at 988. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org.
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